Report: Giolito could miss season with elbow injury

Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito could miss the 2024 season after imaging showed he likely has a partial tear of the UCL and a flexor strain, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Early Tuesday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Giolito experienced elbow discomfort after his latest spring outing and was being sent for testing.

"We're obviously concerned. Not a good day for us," Cora said, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne.

Cora acknowledged to reporters Wednesday that Giolito could face surgery, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. The right-hander will reportedly receive a second opinion on his injury from Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Birmingham, Alabama, next week, leaving his status in the air until then.

Giolito signed a one-year, $19-million deal - which becomes a two-year, $38.5-million pact if he exercises a 2025 player option - in December to help the Red Sox fortify their starting rotation. The hurler posted a 4.88 ERA and 5.27 FIP across 33 starts for three teams last season.

With Giolito sidelined, Boston's other starting pitching options include Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, and Josh Winckowski.

The Red Sox have also been linked to free-agent starter Jordan Montgomery, although the two sides are reportedly stuck in a staring contest. The left-hander and his agent, Scott Boras, are apparently unwilling to budge on their asking price.